Building upon FIE’s mission of improving education at all levels, FIE has developed a tradition of supporting the research of doctoral students enrolled in the University of North Florida’s Educational Leadership program. Doctoral Student Research Assistants (DSRA) gain the opportunity to work with highly-respected, knowledgeable FIE staff and to use their education in a research-oriented organization. FIE staff directly work with DSRAs in the capacity of mentoring, knowledge-building, and further developing and refining their research skills.

FIE promotes DSRA research with several activities such as sponsoring a research symposium each spring for DSRA work and encourages DSRAs to present papers at various educational conferences throughout the year. FIE supports DSRAs with other advanced educational opportunities to enhance their knowledge and leadership abilities.

Listed below are current and previous DSRAs along with the FIE Advisory Board that supports their research efforts.

Former FIE DSRAs:

- Dissertation Topic – Preschool Education in Belize: Research on the Current Status and Implications for the Future, 2008 B.S. University of North Florida in Belize M.Ed. University of North Florida in Belize Ed.D. University of North Florida, Jacksonville

Currently Employed – University of Belize , Faculty Member in Education

- Dissertation Title - Assessing the Impact of a Visual Arts Family-Focused Pre-kindergarten Intervention, 2006 B.A. Jacksonville University M.Ed. University of North Florida Ed. S. University of Florida Ed.D. University of North Florida, Jacksonville

Currently Employed – Private Consultant, Children’s Author, Visiting Professor at the University

- Dissertation Topic – A Review of TAP Programs in Florida: Do Program Components Match Student Outcomes?, 2009 B.S. The Ohio State University M.Ed. Cleveland State University Ed.D. University of North Florida, Jacksonville

- Dissertation Title - Assessing the Impact of Family Coaching on Parental Attitudes and Behaviors, 2007 B.S. Savannah State College M.A.T. Jacksonville University Ed.D University of North Florida, Jacksonville